If there are over three hundred people from Azhagai living and working here in Kuwait at this point of time, it has been mainly due to the great efforts of the early stalwarts from Azhagappapuram who had made Kuwait their home for a long time.  We gather they were simple workers, but had noble intentions. They had been instrumental in paving the way for more and more youngsters from the Azhagai village to pour into Kuwait for employment to make a living for them as well as support their families back home.

     Unlike these days, the earlier period in Kuwait was not quite ideal for newcomers from many points of view. New entrants had an uphill task settling in. Every walk of life posed difficulties and challenges, we learn.  The transition period used to be depressing generally for all.  But those coming from Azhagai did not have to endure much hardship as they were well received and helped out by the kind-hearted elders of Azhagai, who acted as local guardians for the new arrivals.

     A newcomer's first challenge here is to overcome homesickness and loneliness.The seniors, by giving pleasant company and saying a few words of encouragement, resolved this problem. Youngsters were helped out in finding jobs suiting their background. This trend continues even today. Without the guidance and help of our senior compatriots, it will be well nigh difficult to find job openings, regardless of qualifications & experience. If Azhagaits were able to get acclimatized well with Kuwait conditions, it was largely because of the guidance they have been so lucky to get from the senior people of Azhagai here at different times.

     Unexpected illnesses or any other unfortunate situations encountered by Azhagaits have been tied over mostly with the help of the old-timers and their influence. Not all in Kuwait are that fortunate.One can see many languish inexorably due to the lack of moral or any sort of support.
The formation of the Azhagai Kuwait Welfare Association has proved to be a boon for Azhagaits in many respects. The Association encourages unity and brings the sprinkled Azhagaits together. Here again, the elders are to be credited with the conception of the Association.

     It has been possible to meet quite a number of Azhagaits at social functions, church services and on any other important occasions This kind of meetings and interactions give us the sense that we are very much part of a vibrant society.
Our numerical strength in Kuwait affords us to shore up the development of Azhagai in many areas. In fact, the Azhagaits in Kuwait are in the forefront in this respect, which has been recognized by the people living back home. All this has been possible because of the distinguished stalwarts of Azhagai who have acted as friends, philosophers and guides to our youngsters. Without their mentoring, Azhagai newcomers to Kuwait could not have made as good as they have over the years in Kuwait.

     As the tradition continues, more and more newcomers stand to immensely benefit from this cyclical activity.

     No praise will be too high for the pioneers as the services rendered by them from time to time to the cause of fellow Azhagaits have been immeasurable. They set high standards by being model beings for young men to emulate. We are indebted to them. It is also our sincere hope that the good work done by our elders and seniors here will be carried on successfully.

 

By : J. Vensulaus